BS EN 772-1 is part of a series of European Standards (EN) that have been adopted by the British Standards Institution (BSI), making them British Standards (BS). This particular part focuses on determining the compressive strength of masonry units, which are essential components in the construction of walls, foundations, and other structures.
The standard, titled "Methods of test for masonry units. Part 1: Determination of compressive strength," is the essential technical reference for verifying the load-bearing capacity of bricks and blocks in the UK and Europe. The current version as of 2026 is BS EN 772-1:2011+A1:2015 , which incorporates the latest amendments for structural integrity. 1. Scope and Objective bs en 7721 pdf
The full official document can be purchased in PDF format through the BSI Knowledge store or the ANSI Webstore . BS EN 772-1 is part of a series
To get an accurate reading, the load must be applied evenly. Since bricks often have uneven surfaces, the standard details methods for "capping"—applying a layer of gypsum plaster or mortar to create a flat surface—or grinding the faces flat. Part 1: Determination of compressive strength," is the
The standard outlines the precise methodology required to ensure consistency and repeatability in results. Key sections include: